Masked Butler - Masque of the Red Death

6. Burgundy Masquerade

 "So, do you have an idea on how to get the three of us out in one piece?" asked Erik as he helped Nico into his pirate costume.

"Not really, the biggest problem is that Prospero will have her practically attached to him, like a dog on a chain. And no, don't bring it up."

"It didn't even cross my mind, that is, until you said not to bring it up."

Nico rolled his eyes, "Of course."

"But seriously, cats and dogs in particular are more used to the smell of death than most other animals. They do need to eat."

"Erik, we have more important matters at hand."

"I know, I would just like it if you kept the notion open, just in case we come across an animal in the streets that catches our fancy."

"Whatever. Ugh, if it was just the two of us we could just shadow-travel out of here."

"Unless . . ."

"Erik?" Erik quickly threw on his costume, that of a cloaked, and masked, wizard.

"Maybe we will need some magic to help us make the lady, ah, shall we say, disappear?"

Nico's lips widened into a grin, "Erik, that's ingenious!"

Erik gave a little bow, "I'm glad you think so. Perhaps we shall suggest it as the entertainment to mark the end of the masquerade?"

"Yes, but, we shall have to suggest it first," mumbled Nico. " And I really don't want to talk to Prospero."

"But maybe we can also use it as a sign to the Lady Francesca that we have a plan. And while you do that, I shall figure out the escape route."

"Alright, but you'll have to make it quick, it's already . . ." Bong . . . bong . . . rang out the clock. "Midnight." Nico let out a gasp, "And someone just died." The two rushed out the door, just as someone let out a series of ear-splitting screams. The two glanced over the bannister, and saw a small crowd gathered, though none dared approach the body of Lady Juliana besides the lady who apparently found her and Prospero.

"I beg you, do not mourn for Juliana, we should celebrate, she's just married a friend of mine." Nico began to feel sick as both anger and disgust raged within his mind, was this to eventually become Lady Francesca if Prospero had his way with her? "Let the masque begin!"

"Where is Lady Francesca?" whispered Erik.

"Prince Prospero's not really in a costume, is he?" A guard approached the prince, and the two walked away. "Go find that escape route, maybe I can speak with the lady real quick before he returns."

Erik nodded, "Right." He walked steadily, yet quickly down the stairs while Nico made a quick dash towards Francesca's room and knocked on the door.

A maid answered it, "Yes?"

"I need to see Lady Francesca, please let her know it is Lord di Angelo."

"But Prince Prospero said that only he will escort her . . ."

"I am not here to escort her, I just need to speak with her for a minute."

"Oh, alright." The maid closed the door, leaving Nico to pace the short distance in front of the door before it reopened.

"You wanted to see me?"

"Yes, we might have a way out of here. Erik knows a few magic tricks, you just be ready for anything, we don't know how far we'll be able to go before Prospero figures it out."